2013 Toyota RAV4

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 will be the fourth-generation RAV4 since 1994 and is an all-new model redesigned with the latest Toyota styling that’s sure to bring the RAV4 back on top of its class.

Updates

For the first time in the RAV4s history, the new RAV4 has a conventionally top-hinged tailgate (which can be power-operated for the Limited trim), over the awkward side swinging door that used to make it slightly inconvenient to users.

The 2013 RAV4 retains its predecessor's 104.7-inch wheelbase, but it is 2 inches shorter than the outgoing model (179.9 inches) and about an inch lower (65.4 inches). The 2013 Model is slightly wider, offering 72.6 inches of width versus the 2012 model's 71.5. The maximum passenger capacity drops from seven to five due to the third row being eliminated.

Under the Hood

For 2013 Toyota is no longer offering the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine used for the previous model.

Instead it opted to bring back the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine instead. Expect this engine to produce 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.

Front wheel drive models of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 is able to achieve EPA ratings of 24/31 mpg city/highway, improving on the 22/28 mpg rating for the outgoing model. Meanwhile the all-wheel-drive RAV4 gets 22/29 mpg, a slight improvement over the third-generation model.

Trims

The 2013 RAV4 will be available three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited.

The LE trim will come equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, power windows, power side mirrors, eight airbags, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and 60/40 split/folding second-row seats.

Those who opt for the RAV4’s XLE trim get the above features, but also add on 17-inch alloy wheels and bucket seats with side bolstering.

At the top of the 2013 RAV4 lineup, the Limited model will equip your RAV4 with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, a programmable power liftgate, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

The RAV4 Limited will also offer heated front seats, as well as memory settings and power lumbar the driver's seat. The 2013 RAV4 Limited also adds on a more modern center console, featuring a standard 6.1-inch touch screen.

Conclusion

While the 2013 Toyota RAV4 faces more competition than ever in the market, we'd say the new model’s redesign will give it a nice edge over competitors.  We expect the RAV4 to maintain its place as a leader in the market.

For full pics of the 2013 RAV4 go to: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151203546191044.450045.311116776043&type=3

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2013 Toyota Corolla Vehicle Profile

The Toyota Corolla has always been the top choice for people looking to buy an inexpensive, fuel-efficient and reliable vehicle. For that reason it has sold more than 33 million since it was launched 40 years ago. 

What's New for 2013

 The Toyota Corolla is back for 2013,  receiving a few minor changes that include a revised grille and an upgraded audio system equipped with a touchscreen display for the upper trim levels.

Trims and Options

The 2013 Toyota Corolla comes available in three different trims: L, LE and S trim levels.

The base L model is standard equipped with full power accessories, keyless entry, 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

The LE takes the features mentioned above, but take it a step further by adding 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers,  steering wheel audio controls, a six-speaker sound system with a 6-inch touchscreen display, iPod/USB connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming. 

The S trim takes it a step even further by adding a sport-look body kit, a rear spoiler, foglights, upgraded cloth upholstery and metallic interior trim.

The LE and S trims offer an available Premium package that adds a sunroof and upgraded wheels, as well as the Premium interior package for the Corolla LE which adds an eight-way power driver seat, automatic headlights, automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

Lastly, the 2013 Toyota Corolla also offers an available touchscreen navigation system equipped with satellite radio, voice control, and smartphone app integration through Toyota's Entune system.

Under the Hood

Every 2013 Toyota Corolla comes equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-4 that produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined with the automatic transmission and 27/34/30 with the manual.

Interior Design and Special Features

On the inside, the Toyota Corolla's controls are easy to see and simple to use. The seats are soft and comfy, and offer plenty of room for taller drivers, while the backseat also boasts decent room and a cushy bottom. It boasts 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space, average for the class, but the trunk is fit with a wide opening, which is particularly useful if you want to load up your groceries, suitcases, etc.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2013 Toyota Corolla include front disk and rear drum antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. 

In government crash tests, the Corolla received an overall score of four out of five stars, with four stars for overall frontal-impact safety and five stars for overall side-impact safety. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the Corolla earned a top score of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.

Toyota Debuts New Furia Concept at 2013 North American International Auto Show

Last week, during the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota revealed a very intriguing concept called the Toyota Furia.

The exciting news to come out of this compact sedan concept is that it hints at the styling cues consumers can expect to see on the next-generation Corolla. The Furia concept came to be as a result of an exterior styling study by Toyota designers. It looks to build on the brand's product development priority to develop more dramatic and vividly designed vehicles.

When asked about the Toyota Corolla Furia concept, Bill Fay, Toyota Motor Groups vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division said: "The Corolla Furia Concept is an early indicator of where our compact car design may lead in the future…It blends a heightened emphasis on dramatic design and modern elements of high technology to generate curb appeal that will surprise a lot of people."

One look at this new design and you can definitely see the changes from the current Corolla model. The new Toyota Corolla Furia design includes a swept windshield, a sloped roofline and more prominent fender flares. It has an aggressively styled front fascia, with a blacked-out grille treatment that highlights a pair of sculpted front LED headlamps (and rear composite LED taillights) that add a sense of advanced technology to the Furia's exterior. The Corolla Furia Concept's wheel wells are equipped with Carbon fiber accents, rocker panels, and rear valance, which includes ornate metal exhaust outlet surrounds to add a sense of modern athleticism.

Toyota says that the Furia concept is designed around a theme of "Iconic Dynamism," which uses pure and simple surface elements to create a very distinct and stylish appearance in order to appeal to more youthful consumers. The Furia is Toyota’s edgier interpretation of a usually conservative compact sedan that displays a more stable, athletic stance with 19-inch allow wheels pushed to the vehicle's corners to help emphasize its long wheelbase.

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept Specs

Overall Length 4620 mm/ 181.9 inches

Overall Width 1805 mm / 71 inches

Overall Height 1425 mm / 56.1 inches

Wheelbase 2700 mm/ 106.3 inches

Wheels 19-inch aluminum alloy

What do YOU think?

The Furia concept definitely would add some “pizzazz” to the Corolla model, but what do you think? Is it too much for the Corolla’s generally conservative users or is it just what the car needs?